21st  RBM Vector Control Working Group Workshop 

At the beginning of March, Target Malaria participated in the RBM Vector Control Working Group (VCWG) Workshop, held in Nairobi, Kenya. The meeting brought together over 300 members of the malaria control community, including researchers, practitioners and funders from across Africa and beyond to discuss the latest developments in vector control.

Historically, gene drive research has had a limited presence at the VCWG, often seen as an emerging technology not yet ready for broad discussion. For Target Malaria, attending is therefore crucial: it provides the opportunity to ensure accurate, up‑to‑date information reaches this important community, to correct misunderstandings and to build relationships that will underpin the responsible development of gene drive tools. It is also an opportunity to stay informed about broader trends in vector control.

News was shared about the US government’s support for malaria control. Although USAID’s President Malaria Initiative funding was dramatically ended last year, a new series of five-year Memorandums Of Understanding with more than 20 African countries are being established.

As co-lead of Working Group 2, Task Team 2 (Novel Vector Control Progress), I helped to organise a session focused on genetic control and symbionts. The session featured presentations from Dr Penny Hancock of Imperial College London Target Malaria, as well as presentations from Transmission Zero and ACEME, followed by a panel discussion in which Target Malaria Uganda’s Principal Investigator Dr Jonathan Kayondo participated.

The workshop concluded with an inspiring visit to the ICIPE Dudu Campus, where students and staff showcased a wide range of entomological research.